January: Soul — Zen Circles

Artist Cynthia de Lorenzi explains, “I long have been creating art that features circles. When I pick up a paintbrush, they pour out of me — most likely because I was trained initially in Japan, and they are part of who I am, and who I have become. I think of them as my daily dose of meditation, as this perfect form — known as the enso circle — often translates to ‘Zen Circle’ in English. This minimalist Japanese symbol features a simple, circular shape that is not filled in. As an artist, it also represents my inner self.”

“ZEN CIRCLES REPRESENTS ENLIGHTENMENT, LIMITLESS STRENGTH, THE UNIVERSE, OR MU (WHICH IS KNOWN AS THE VOID OR NO-THING),” SHARE JOHN PARROTT & JULIAN GOLDIE, FOUNDERS OF RELAXLIKEABOSS.COM, NOTING THAT THIS PRACTICE HAS BEEN AROUND FOR CENTURIES, STARTING WITH THE BUDDHIST MONK RANZAN SHORYU (1718-1797).

In a recent article published on theauthenticpath.com, they explain that enso circles also represent enlightenment: “Enlightenment can be defined as an awakening or understanding of something. With the enso circle, your goal is to be enlightened about your inner self. Although this is a mental process, drawing an enso circle is a visual and aesthetic way to express enlightenment in

Zen Buddhism. In fact, enso circles are a potent symbol in Zen culture.”

Because it is harder to explain this than it is to have you experience what we’re talking about — and because December is the month of letting go of all that we are holding onto from 2020 — John, Julian, and I invite you to join us and create Zen Circles of your own.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

  • Washi (thin Japanese paper)
  • white paper, or canvas
  • A fude (paintbrush) of the size of your choice
  • Sumi ink or black paint

HERE’S HOW:

1. First and foremost, know that you have choices. You can use a large brush or a tiny brush, a large sheet of paper or a smaller one. You can make the circle quickly or slowly, small or large, thin or thick, and faint or dark.

2. Ready, set, breathe. Hold the brush loosely in your hand, saturate the entire tip, touch it to your canvas and make just one stroke. Drag your brush to create your circle (clockwise or counterclockwise). Check your work. What do you think?

3. Breathe in and out again. Take another pass and this time, let your brush follow the pattern of your exhale. Don’t lift the brush; complete it with a single brushstroke.

4. Practice makes perfect. If you aren’t feeling this circle, try again. It is believed that once you create the circle, you can’t alter it. So keep at it!

5. Embrace your individuality. Since the Zen circle reflects you, decide if you want your circle to be open or closed. An incomplete circle allows for development or represents wabi-sabi, the beauty of imperfection. A closed circle represents perfection, totality, or wholeness.

6. Concentrate. Once you begin creating your circles, complete the session from start to finish without stopping. I get into a meditative state when I’m creating my art, and the circles reflect that. I close my eyes with the paintbrush in my hand, breathe in deeply three times — three full breaths — open my eyes, and create. What I love best of all is that this sense of calm follows me throughout the day.

7. Don’t rush. Stay open-minded, and accept what comes.

I’d love to see your work! Please take a picture of your picture, and email it to us. We just may publish it on our social media pages!

From your What’s Next Journal • By Cynthia de Lorenzi and Hope Katz Gibbs • Design by Cindy Seip